Clown Wrasse

Interesting Info

• The Clown Wrasse, also known as the Gaimard’s Wrasse, is a species of fish that belongs to the family Labridae and is found in the waters of northern Australia’s from the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland to Western Australia.
• The male Clown Wrasse is a strikingly beautiful fish with a distinctive appearance. As they mature, their body changes from the bright orange of juveniles to a rich, electric blue colour with a yellow dorsal fin and tail. They have a prominent black stripe that runs from their eye to the base of their tail, which is bordered by a thin white stripe.
• They are carnivorous and primarily feed on small invertebrates such as crustaceans and molluscs.
• These fish are known to form loose schools or shoals with other members of their species, particularly during spawning periods.
• Clown Wrasse are known to be particularly susceptible to parasitic infections, particularly from the copepod Pseudoleptocaris.
• The Clown Wrasse is known to have a relatively slow growth rate compared to other fish species. It can take up to five years for a juvenile Clown Wrasse to reach sexual maturity, and they may not change sex until they are 10 years old or older.
• They have been observed exhibiting a unique behaviour called “tail-standing,” where it stands on its head and tail and appears to dance in place, it is believed to be a form of communication or territorial display.
• During breeding season, males will perform a distinctive courtship display to attract females, including changing colour and flashing their fins.
• Estimated lifespan is up to 15 years.